Strengthening Schools in Conflict Zones
Justice Rising improves learning in the hardest places on earth by supporting private and public school networks. We focus on what matters most: safe schools, motivated teachers, and strong learning outcomes. Our work is teacher-designed, tested, and grounded in evidence so schools can thrive even in instability.
Our approach
How We Strengthen Schools
Justice Rising improves learning through two core tools that work together in every school we support. SMoLL Steps guides schools toward safe and effective learning environments. Chalkboard Guides help teachers deliver consistent lessons even when instability disrupts normal routines.
This simple combination gives school leaders a clear path to improve quality and gives teachers the daily support they need to keep learning on track.
We support school systems in conflict zones
We equip teachers with practical, ready-to-use tools
We train leaders to strengthen daily school management
We work with governments to scale learning outcomes
Our Model:
SMoLL Steps
SMoLL Steps is our framework for improving learning in conflict zones. It is simple, teacher-designed, and built from years of experience operating schools during instability.
The Five Pillars
Safe
Schools become stable, protective environments where children can learn.
Motivated
Students, teachers, and families stay engaged even in crisis.
Learning
Students build foundational skills that unlock critical thinking and opportunity.
Legitimate
Schools meet national standards so students can earn recognized qualifications.
Sustainable
Leaders receive tools and support to run schools effectively with limited resources.
What SMoLL Steps Makes Possible
SMoLL Steps improves daily instruction, strengthens school operations, and helps teachers stay consistent even when instability threatens normal routines.
More consistent teaching across classrooms
Stronger student engagement and participation
Better exam performance across grade levels
Higher teacher confidence and morale
Our Tools:
Chalkboard Guides
Chalkboard Guides help teachers deliver consistent, high-quality lessons in challenging environments. The guides include ready-to-teach plans that align with the national curriculum, simplify preparation, and support teachers who often have limited time or training.
These guides strengthen the Learning pillar of SMoLL Steps and give teachers confidence on days when instability makes planning difficult.
What Chalkboard Guides Provide
Ready-to-use lessons that follow national standards
Simple instructions that work in low-resource classrooms
Activities that promote active learning
A consistent structure across grade levels
Where We Work and Who We Serve
Justice Rising strengthens private schools and public school systems in conflict zones. We own and operate a private network of 23 schools serving 4,000 students in eastern Congo. We work closely with communities, government leaders, and school operators to deliver tools and training that improve learning at scale.
Our approach supports strong partnerships, clear communication, and accountability. Each collaboration is designed to grow local capacity so schools can continue improving long after our direct involvement.
Our Stories
Inside the Classroom
Meet the students and teachers who are rewriting their futures in the middle of conflict.
Explore more moments that show what learning looks like in the middle of conflict.